1
|
Shahwan KT, Amon GJ, Archibald LK, Bakker C, Mattox AR, Alam M, Maher IA. Repair of auricular defects following Mohs micrographic surgery or excision: a systematic review of the literature. Arch Dermatol Res 2023; 315:443-446. [PMID: 35951108 DOI: 10.1007/s00403-022-02373-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Repair of auricular defects following tumor removal can be challenging. Many techniques have been described, but the literature lacks a comprehensive review of these methods. To perform a systematic review to compile and describe methods of reconstruction for post-surgical defects on the ears, eight databases were searched using terms related to ear anatomy, Mohs and excisions, and repair methods. Articles were eligible for inclusion if they contained repair data for ear defects following Mohs or excision for at least 4 subjects and were published in English between 2004 and 2019. Two reviewers screened all abstracts, and then evaluated the remaining full text articles to determine eligibility. The authors' specialties, study design, subject information, tumor and defect characteristics, procedure, repair methods, outcomes, and complications were then extracted. Most articles were written by dermatologic surgeons (66.7%). Repair methods included wedge excisions (19 cases), second intention healing (376), linear closures (294), purse strings (4), locoregional flaps (221), and grafts (2003). Most studies were small observational case series or cohort studies that lacked clear outcome measures. The available evidence on this topic is low quality. Further research utilizing improved study designs and standardized outcome measures is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn T Shahwan
- University of North Dakota Medical School, Altru Health System, 3165 Demers Ave, Grand Forks, Grand Forks, ND, 58201, USA.
- Department of Dermatology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Gabriel J Amon
- Department of Dermatology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Laura K Archibald
- Department of Dermatology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | - Adam R Mattox
- Department of Dermatology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Murad Alam
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ian A Maher
- Department of Dermatology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Merkel Cell Carcinoma of the External Ear: Population-Based Analysis and Survival Outcomes. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14225653. [PMID: 36428746 PMCID: PMC9688183 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Due to its highly aggressive behavior, the ability to identify and manage Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) with a full understanding of its characteristics is essential. Because the external ear is an exposed area, resection can have dramatic consequences on patient’s self-image, which is why it is fundamental to detect MCC, typically found on UV-exposed regions such as the ears, at an early stage. (2) Methods: The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was searched for all external ear MCC between 2000 and 2019. A descriptive analysis based on frequencies was made to describe the demography of pathophysiologic features linked to MCC. Overall survival (OS) was studied and compared between variables with a log rank test. A multivariable Cox regression analysis was then computed to identify independent prognostic factors. (3) Results: A total of 210 patients (160 men) were identified with a median age of 80 years. The median OS was 47 months. Factors associated with lower OS included an age of over 80 years, the male gender, a tumor size of >5 cm, and metastatic disease. Gross (<1 cm) and wide (>1 cm) surgery excision margins were the surgery types with the best OS. (4) Conclusions: MCC of the external ear is diagnosed mostly in old men. Among the 182 patients who received a surgical procedure, gross and wide excision without radiotherapy were associated with the best OS.
Collapse
|
3
|
Kaminska-Winciorek G, Slowinska M, Krotowski J, Nasierowska-Guttmejer A, Musial J, Cybulska-Stopa B. Dermoscopy of external ear melanoma (EEM). Arch Dermatol Res 2022; 315:1381-1387. [PMID: 35298674 DOI: 10.1007/s00403-022-02342-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
External ear melanoma (EEM) belongs to extremely rare melanoma locations. So far, only single cases of EEM have been described in terms of dermoscopic presentations. This case study report presents dermoscopic patterns of EEM in six patients. The retrospective case study was based on medical documentation (epidemiological, anamnestic, clinical, videodermoscopic, and histopathologic) of consecutive patients who were diagnosed with melanoma located on the external ear between January 2013 and May 2021 in three diagnostic dermatologic centers. In four of six cases, the melanoma was placed on the helix. The histopathological diagnoses included 1/6 lentigo maligna and 5/6 invasive melanomas. The dermoscopic pattern of facial melanoma (FM) was present in 3/6 cases, 1/6 exhibited the typical superficial spreading pattern (one with nodular invasion), 1/6 the multicomponent asymmetric pattern, and 1/6 the hypomelanotic type. Five melanomas presented numerous (3-6) dermoscopic structures characteristic for each dermoscopic subtype. In conclusion, dermoscopy has proved effective for detection of both difficult and easy-to-diagnose EEM, but also in differentiating their dermoscopic subtypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grazyna Kaminska-Winciorek
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Hematology-Oncology, Skin Cancer and Melanoma Team, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Gliwice Branch, Ul. Wybrzeze Armii Krajowej 15, 44-101, Gliwice, Poland.
- Center of Diagnostics and Treatment of Skin Diseases, All4Skin, Katowice, Poland.
| | - M Slowinska
- Department of Dermatology, Military Institute of Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
- Evimed Medical Center, Private Dermatologic Practice, Warsaw, Poland
| | - J Krotowski
- Department of Dermatology, Military Institute of Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
- Krotowscy Clinic, Pabianice, Poland
| | - A Nasierowska-Guttmejer
- Department of Pathomorphology, Central Clinical Hospital of Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administrative, Warsaw, Poland
- Faculty of Medicine, Lazarski University, Warsaw, Poland
| | - J Musial
- Department of Pathomorphology, Central Clinical Hospital of the Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - B Cybulska-Stopa
- Clinical Oncology Department, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Cracow Branch, Cracow, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Noorbakhsh S, Papageorge M, Maina RM, Baumann R, Moores C, Weiss SA, Pucar D, Ariyan S, Olino K, Clune J. Methods of Sentinel Lymph Node Identification in Auricular Melanoma. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN 2021; 9:e4004. [PMID: 34938645 PMCID: PMC8687720 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000004004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Sentinel lymph node biopsy is used to evaluate for micrometastasis in auricular melanoma. However, lymphatic drainage patterns of the ear are not well defined and predicting the location of sentinel nodes can be difficult. The goal of this study was to define the lymphatic drainage patterns of the ear and to compare multiple modalities of sentinel node identification. METHODS A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database evaluated 80 patients with auricular melanoma who underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy by comparing preoperative imaging with intraoperative identification of sentinel nodes. Patients were placed into two cohorts, based on the modality of preoperative imaging: (1) planar lymphoscintigraphy only (n = 63) and (2) single-photon emission computerized tomography combined with computerized tomography (SPECT-CT) only (n = 17). Sites of preoperative mapping and sites of intraoperative identification were recorded as parotid/preauricular, mastoid/postauricular, and/or cervical. RESULTS In patients that underwent planar lymphoscintigraphy preoperatively (n = 63), significantly more sentinel nodes were identified intraoperatively than were mapped preoperatively in both the parotid/preauricular (P = 0.0017) and mastoid/postauricular (P = 0.0047) regions. Thirty-two nodes were identified intraoperatively that were not mapped preoperatively in the planar lymphoscintigraphy group (n = 63), two of which were positive for micrometastatic disease. In contrast, there were no discrepancies between preoperative mapping and intraoperative identification of sentinel nodes in the SPECT-CT group (n = 17). CONCLUSIONS SPECT-CT is more accurate than planar lymphoscintigraphy for the preoperative identification of draining sentinel lymph nodes in auricular melanoma. If SPECT-CT is not available, planar lymphoscintigraphy can also be used safely, but careful intraoperative evaluation, even in basins not mapped by lymphoscintigraphy, must be performed to avoid missed sentinel nodes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seth Noorbakhsh
- From the West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, W.V
| | | | - Renee M. Maina
- Yale School of Medicine Department of Surgery;, New Haven, Conn
| | - Raymond Baumann
- Department of Pharmacology, Database Management, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn
| | - Craig Moores
- Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn
| | - Sarah A. Weiss
- Section of Medical Oncology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn
| | - Darko Pucar
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn
| | - Stephan Ariyan
- Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn
| | - Kelly Olino
- Department of Surgery, Section of Surgical Oncology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn
| | - James Clune
- Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bittar PG, Bittar JM, Etzkorn JR, Brewer JD, Aizman L, Shin TM, Sobanko JF, Higgins HW, Giordano CN, Cohen JV, Pride R, Wan MT, Leitenberger JJ, Bar AA, Aasi S, Bordeaux JS, Miller CJ. Systematic review and meta-analysis of local recurrence rates of head and neck cutaneous melanomas after wide local excision, Mohs micrographic surgery, or staged excision. J Am Acad Dermatol 2021; 85:681-692. [PMID: 33961921 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2021.04.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prospective trials have not compared the local recurrence rates of different excision techniques for cutaneous melanomas on the head and neck. OBJECTIVE To determine local recurrence rates of cutaneous head and neck melanoma after wide local excision (WLE), Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS), or staged excision. METHODS A systematic review of PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science identified all English case series, cohort studies, and randomized controlled trials that reported local recurrence rates after surgery for cutaneous head and neck melanoma. A meta-analysis utilizing a random effects model calculated weighted local recurrence rates and confidence intervals (CI) for each surgical technique and for subgroups of MMS and staged excision. RESULTS Among 100 manuscripts with 13,998 head and neck cutaneous melanomas, 51.0% (7138) of melanomas were treated by WLE, 34.5% (4826) by MMS, and 14.5% (2034) by staged excision. Local recurrence rates were lowest for MMS (0.61%; 95% CI, 0.1%-1.4%), followed by staged excision (1.8%; 95% CI, 1.0%-2.9%) and WLE (7.8%; 95% CI, 6.4%-9.3%). LIMITATIONS Definitions of local recurrence varied. Surgical techniques included varying proportions of invasive melanomas. Studies had heterogeneity. CONCLUSION Systematic review and meta-analysis show lower local recurrence rates for cutaneous head and neck melanoma after treatment with MMS or staged excision compared to WLE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter G Bittar
- Department of Dermatology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Julie M Bittar
- Section of Dermatology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Jeremy R Etzkorn
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jerry D Brewer
- Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Leora Aizman
- George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC
| | - Thuzar M Shin
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Joseph F Sobanko
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Harold W Higgins
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Cerrene N Giordano
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Justine V Cohen
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Renee Pride
- Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Marilyn T Wan
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Anna A Bar
- Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Sumaira Aasi
- Department of Dermatology, Stanford Medicine, Stanford, California
| | | | - Christopher J Miller
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Recurrence risk of early-stage melanoma of the external ear: an investigation of surgical approach and sentinel lymph node status. Melanoma Res 2020; 30:173-178. [DOI: 10.1097/cmr.0000000000000534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
7
|
National Analysis of Patients With External Ear Melanoma in the United States. J Craniofac Surg 2019; 30:e787-e790. [DOI: 10.1097/scs.0000000000005777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
|
8
|
Cartilage-sparing surgery for melanoma of the external ear. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2018; 72:92-96. [PMID: 30243556 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2018.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/19/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The excision of melanoma of the external ear poses a challenge to surgeons, who must achieve adequate oncological control while minimising impact on form and function. Cartilage-preserving surgery is an attractive option, as it leaves behind a scaffold for immediate reconstruction with a variety of techniques including full-thickness skin grafts (FTSGs) and local flaps. This manuscript will review the literature comparing cartilage-sparing surgery with composite excision of the skin and the cartilage for the treatment of auricular melanoma. We report the results of a 17 year experience of using both techniques, together with sentinel node biopsy at our centre. METHODS A structured review of MEDLINE and EMBASE was conducted to evaluate all studies reporting local recurrence or survival rates for melanoma of the external ear treated with cartilage-preserving surgery. A retrospective review of all patients undergoing wide local excision (WLE) and sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for auricular melanoma at our centre between 2000 and 2017 was performed. RESULTS Of 40 patients identified, 29 underwent cartilage-preserving surgery with no local recurrences or evidence of perichondral involvement. There was one local recurrence out of 11 patients who had their cartilage excised. There were no significant differences in recurrence rates or melanoma-specific survival rates when comparing cartilage-preserving and cartilage-sparing surgery. Our results are supported by the literature review, which suggests that cartilage-sparing surgery is gaining acceptance as a safe practice.
Collapse
|
9
|
A Systematic Review of Surgical Management of Melanoma of the External Ear. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN 2018; 6:e1755. [PMID: 29876188 PMCID: PMC5977960 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000001755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Background Historically, external ear melanomas have been treated aggressively, due to early perceptions suggesting they had poor prognosis and aggressive biological behavior. More recent evidence has not supported these notions. Methods We completed a complete review of the literature involving malignant melanoma of the external ear. We then completed a quantitative analysis on seventy-three cases from 8 reports that contained case-level data, assessing factors that influence recurrence, and assessing characteristics of the melanomas based on histological subtype. Baseline and outcomes data for all 20 studies were then compiled but not statistically evaluated. Results In our subanalysis, patients who had recurrence were significantly more likely to have had wedge resection versus wide-local excision, and those with no recurrence were more likely to have undergone wide local excision. Nodular tumors had significantly greater thickness. Overall, conservative excisions provided excellent outcomes. Conclusions Conservative treatment for external ear melanoma produces satisfactory outcomes. There is no evidence to support the use of radical amputation and little evidence to support the removal of cartilage or perichondrium. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is warranted only with positive nodes. There is no role for elective neck dissection. The roles for chemo/radiation therapy are unclear and guidelines for other cutaneous melanomas should be followed.
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
LEARNING OBJECTIVES After reading this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Discuss the initial management of cutaneous malignant melanoma with regard to diagnostic biopsy and currently accepted resection margins. 2. Be familiar with the management options for melanoma in specific situations such as subungual melanoma, auricular melanoma, and melanoma in the pregnant patient. 3. Discuss the differentiating characteristics of desmoplastic melanoma and its treatment options. 4. List the indications for sentinel lymph node biopsy and be aware of the ongoing trials and current literature. 5. Discuss the medical therapies available to patients with metastatic melanoma. SUMMARY Management of the melanoma patient is a complex and evolving subject. Plastic surgeons should be aware of the recent changes in the field. Excisional biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosis, although there is no evidence that use of other biopsy types alters survival or recurrence. Wide local excisions should be carried out with margins as recommended by National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines according to lesion Breslow depth, with sentinel lymph node biopsy being offered to all medically suitable candidates with intermediate thickness melanomas (1.0 to 4.0 mm), and with sentinel lymph node biopsy being considered for high-risk lesions (ulceration and/or high mitotic figures) with melanomas of 0.75 to 1.0 mm. Melanomas diagnosed during pregnancy can be treated with preoperative lymphoscintigraphy and wide local excision under local anesthesia, with sentinel lymph node biopsy under general anesthesia delayed until after delivery. Management of desmoplastic melanoma is currently controversial with regard to the indications for sentinel lymph node biopsy and the efficacy of postoperative radiation therapy. Subungual and auricular melanoma have evolved from being treated by amputation of the involved appendage to less radical procedures-ear reconstruction is now attempted in the absence of gross invasion into the perichondrium, and subungual melanomas may be treated with wide local excision down to and including the periosteum, with immediate full-thickness skin grafting over bone. Although surgical treatment remains the current gold standard, recent advances in immunotherapy and targeted molecular therapy for metastatic melanoma show great promise for the development of medical therapies for melanoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina N Pavri
- New Haven, Conn
- From the Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine
| | - James Clune
- New Haven, Conn
- From the Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine
| | - Stephan Ariyan
- New Haven, Conn
- From the Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine
| | - Deepak Narayan
- New Haven, Conn
- From the Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ebrahimi A, Kazemi A, Rasouli HR, Kazemi M, Kalantar Motamedi MH. Reconstructive Surgery of Auricular Defects: An Overview. Trauma Mon 2015; 20:e28202. [PMID: 26839867 PMCID: PMC4727475 DOI: 10.5812/traumamon.28202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 02/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Context: Despite the ongoing advances in surgical procedures and promising progress in bioengineering techniques, auricular reconstruction remains a significant challenge in plastic surgery. There are different causes for acquired auricular defects, including trauma, tumor ablation and burns. The management options for upper, middle and lower third auricular defects are briefly reviewed in the current paper. Evidence Acquisition: Original research papers investigating the plastic surgeons, otolaryngologists and maxillofacial surgeons in approaching the complicated issue of auricular reconstruction published from January 1995 to December 2014 were aggregated and used in the current study. Results: Utilizing autologous stem cell populations to treat craniofacial defects is a promising field of ongoing investigations. Studies show that cartilage stem/progenitor cells (CSPCs) are highly chondrogenic and can produce elastic reconstructive material with long-term tissue restoration. Conclusions: Auricular reconstruction surgery is a challenging plastic procedure that requires great expertise and expert knowledge of the various techniques available. Novel techniques in the fields of reconstructive bioengineering and regenerative medicine are promising but further research is required before widespread clinical application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Ebrahimi
- Trauma Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Alireza Kazemi
- Education Development Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Rasouli
- Trauma Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Maryam Kazemi
- Education Development Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Mohammad Hosein Kalantar Motamedi
- Trauma Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
- Corresponding author: Mohammad Hosein Kalantar Motamedi, Trauma Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, P. O. Box: 19647, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel: +98-2122616946, Fax: +98-2188053766, E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Toia F, Garbo G, Tripoli M, Rinaldi G, Moschella F, Cordova A. A systematic review on external ear melanoma. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2015; 68:883-94. [PMID: 25971418 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2015.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2014] [Revised: 02/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND External ear melanoma accounts for only 1% of all cutaneous melanomas, and data on its optimal management and prognosis are limited. AIM We aim to review the literature on external ear melanoma to guide surgeons in the treatment of this uncommon and peculiar pathology. MATERIALS AND METHODS A systematic review of English language studies on ear melanoma published from 1993 to 2013 was performed using the PubMed electronic database. Data on epidemiology, oncological treatment (tumor resection and regional lymph nodes management), and reconstruction were extrapolated from selected papers. RESULTS The total number of patients was 858 (30 studies). The helix was the most common location (57%); superficial spreading melanoma was the most common histopathological subtype (41%). The mean Breslow thickness was 2.01 mm, with 88% of stage I-II patients. Sentinel lymph node biopsy was performed in 45% of patients, with 8% of positive nodes. Available data on its prognosis are fragmentary and contrasting, but the Breslow thickness appears to be the main prognostic factor. There is a tendency towards reduced resection margins and preservation of the underlying perichondrium and cartilage. Local flaps are the most popular reconstructive option. CONCLUSION To the best of our knowledge, this systematic review presents the largest data series on external ear melanoma. There is no general agreement on its surgical management, but a favorable prognosis seems to justify the tendency towards conservative treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Toia
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Garbo
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Tripoli
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gaetana Rinaldi
- Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Moschella
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Adriana Cordova
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| |
Collapse
|